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Sean Collins began comedy in 1990 in Vancouver, Canada, after a career as a child counsellor on the psychiatric unit at a local hospital. He has appeared at Montreal’s Just For Laughs comedy festival in 1998 and 2002.

He now works largely in the UK and made his Edinburgh debut in 2005.

Sean Collins at the 2010 Glasgow Comedy Festival
Live Review
Glasgow Stand

Sean Collins has been around the block a few times. But in comedy, that’s an asset, not an insult. It means a life lived, and a wealth of stories to tell, from surreal gigs in far-flung outposts of his native Canada and drug yarns that are actually worth spinning, to more up-to-date contemplations on his new life at 43, settled in Britain, with a two-and-a-half year-old son.

He seems a little disappointed in the turnout for his Glasgow comedy festival show – about 50 have shown up – but what’s bad for his bank balance is good for intimacy, suiting his laid-back style far better than a bustling comedy club.

He discards the microphone, pulls up a stool and a pint, and slowly regales this chilled-out, lateish audience with the benefit of his experience. All that’s really missing to complete the atmosphere is a campfire, but doubtless the Stand’s management would frown on such a thing.

‘I go this slow because of years of marijuana abuse,’ he says, anticipating any complaint, but none would be forthcoming, as the laid-back vibe is infectious.

Pithy jokes aren’t on the agenda here, and he dodges most the clichés even when talking about well-trodden topics such as the strains of fatherhood or his adventures with narcotics. These are personal anecdotes, backed up with wry observation, so of course no one else is going to have the same material or approach. That he takes his time only adds to the effectiveness of his confessional tales, as the evocative and entertaining story of his water-skiing exploits demonstrates conclusively.

Brief mention is made of a few other incidents in his life – the paederastic piano teacher he had as a boy, or a brief stint behind bars – just enough to extract a few laughs, not enough to be uncomfortable. Collins doesn’t strive for deep, even though his delivery may be ponderous.

His originally falters when he talks about more generic subjects such as the 2012 London Olympics, but these are the trimmings to his set. The meat is his own life, and how very rich it is.

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I first saw Sean years ago at Jongleurs comedy club. He was the headline act and I'd never heard of him. He absolutely made my night and was completely hysterical. His laid back approach and slow pace made him all the more funny! Since then I have managed to catch Sean whenever he has come to Glasgow and it's always a great show. I caught him in Edinburgh Stand a year or two back, an amazing show and probably one of my favourite ever comedy gigs! I saw him most recently during the Glasgow Comedy Festival, I bought tickets for his Stand show however as a total bonus he turned up at the Tom Stade show the night before and they had some fun as a double act on stage. His own show the next night was more intimate but brilliant as ever. Can't wait to see his next gig and I would definitely recommend you don't miss out if he's in town! Get this man on the TV, comedy gold! ;)

Nikki McC, April 2010

Saw Sean at the Highlight in Birmingham. Consummate professional. Love the laid back approach and variety of topics.

Nick Craythorne, February 2010

Original material,very funny,highly recommended.

Brian Shearon, October 2009

Just watched him from a hangar in Afghanistan. Very funny guy. Will try to catch him again in the IK

chez, August 2009

Just came back from Afghan and had the pleasure of seeing Sean Collins on my way through Cyprus. Very very funny!

spud, germany, May 2009

Canada misses you bro, hope ya can find sometime to come to Ontario im sure you'll be sold out. Easily my favourite comedian.

Eric McRae, July 2007

Come back to Canada for one more show (at least)

Sam, July 2007

Easily one of the most outstanding comics on the circuit at the minute, Sean Collins does material that is bemused and outraged at the same time. He chooses to sit and drink lager throughout his set, his relaxed vibe soon settling down even the most garrulous audiences - his heckler put-downs are superb, and the line about the Scotsman in a fight - very, very true!

Alain English, March 2007

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